658 Credit Score: Good or Bad?

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2023

  • A 658 credit score is considered "Fair"
  • Having a “Fair” credit score can cost you 1000s of dollars in extra interest over the lifetime of your loans
  • Call us today to find out how you can repair your credit (fast)!

Is 658 a good credit score?

As mentioned above, a 658 FICO® Score is considered “Fair”. This is typically a result of situations such as:

           
  • You’ve had payment problems (late payments, missed payments, etc)        
  • Accounts have been charged off & sent to collections        
  • Sometimes even foreclosures & bankruptcies

Approximately 17% of all consumers in America have FICO® Scores in the “Fair” range (658-669).

With a 658 FICO® Score, you’ll mostly be dealing with “subprime” lenders. Which means you’ll be charged relatively high interest rates & fees.

How to improve a 658 credit score

To improve your credit score, you need to focus on fixing the underlying factors.

           
  • Always make your minimum payments, and ensure they’re paid on time        
  • Keep your credit card balances as low as possible (also known as a low utilization rate)        
  • Build your credit file by making sure the accounts you do open, get reported to the 3 major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian & Transunion)        
  • Only apply for credit when necessary, this keeps your hard inquiries at a minimum

Not sure where to start? A dedicated credit repair agency, like us, can work with you to ensure you’re maximizing all avenues when it comes to improving your score.

What can you do with a 658 credit score?

As mentioned previously, a 658 credit score is considered “Fair”. So your lending options are going to be somewhat limited. You’ll mostly get lending through subprime lenders.

Subprime lenders will charge higher interest rates & fees, as they’re taking on “higher risk” clients.

What kind of interest rate can you get with a 658 credit score?

It will typically only be subprime lenders that will approve your applications, and this comes with higher interest rates & fees.

These higher interest rates can cost you thousands of dollars in added interest over the lifetime of your loans, in comparison to if you had a “Good” credit score.

We highly recommend you take the necessary steps towards repairing your credit, and securing a better financial future for yourself, before applying for loans.

How to Understand Your Credit Score

Keeping a good credit score is essential for many reasons, from making it easier to get approved for loans and credit cards to potentially helping you secure lower insurance rates. If your current score is 658, this is considered a good rating. However, there are still ways to improve it. 

Credit scores are determined by certain factors in your credit report including payment history, amount of debt, length of credit history and types of credit accounts. It's important to regularly review your credit report for any mistakes that could be impacting your score. 

Additionally, be careful when applying for new credit as doing so can temporarily lower your rating. By actively monitoring your credit and practicing responsible financial habits, you can work towards achieving an even better score.

The Benefits of Maintaining a Great Credit Rating

Achieving a high credit rating can open the door to many potential benefits. Loans and credit cards with lower interest rates and great rewards programs are all within reach for those with good scores. If your current score is 658, you already have the foundation for taking advantage of these offers.

With a good credit score, you can expect more favorable loan terms, such as lower interest rates on mortgages, car loans, and personal loans. These reduced rates can add up to big savings over the life of your loan. Additionally, a good credit rating makes it easier to get approved for credit cards with great rewards programs that can include cash back or travel points.

So take pride in your strong financial standing and continue working towards even better opportunities by practicing responsible money habits!

Need help improving your credit score?

Can I get a mortgage/home loan with a 658 credit score?

It will be difficult to secure a mortgage with a 658 credit score, but it is definitely possible.

It will be expensive (higher interest rates & fees), and can cost you 10s of thousands of dollars in extra interest over the lifetime of your loan.

Instead, we recommend focussing on improving your credit score, to at least 670-739 (which is considered “Good”). Once you’ve increased your score, you’ll be in a much better place to apply for a mortgage & most importantly, you’ll save yourself a ton of money on interest payments.

Can I get a car loan with a 658 credit score?

You shouldn’t have any problems getting an auto loan with a 658 credit score. But do expect to pay more for the loan than what you would with a “Good” credit score (between 670-739).

You will still be considered higher risk by the lender and subsequently be charged higher rates, so you might consider increasing your credit score before getting an auto loan.

Can I get a personal loan with a 658 credit score?

Yes you should be able to get a personal loan with a 658 credit score. It may take a little bit of searching around for the right lender, but it is possible.

Bottom Line

Let’s face it, a 658 credit score is OK, but can be better. Applying for any forms of lending is slightly difficult, and you’ll pay higher interest rates & fees.

The best course of action (by far), is to improve your credit score first before you apply for loans. Not only will it open more doors for you, it will also save you a ton of money in the long run (due to lower interest rates).

Need help improving your credit score?

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